Lion & Thistle
THE COLLEGE
Chairman of Council: Mr Martin Webb
Principal: Mr Kyle Thompson
Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School: Mr Richard Dobrenov
Head of Junior School: Ms Amanda Hall
Head of Middle School & Director of Girls’ Boarding: Ms Amy Woodgate
Business Manager: Mr Andrew Millard
Director of Teaching Learning & Innovation: Mr Blake Fatouros
Director of Co-Curricular Activities: Mr Jarrod Turner
Head of People and Culture: Mr Derek Naughten
Director of Advancement: Mrs Wendy Whittaker
Director of Boys’ Boarding: Mr David Marriott
AUXILIARY GROUPS
Parents & Friends’ Association President: Mrs Melissa Thompson
Parents & Friends’ Association Vice President: Mrs Anita Judd
Parents & Friends’ Association Secretary: Mrs Morgan Schneider
Parents & Friends’ Association Treasurer: Mrs Alana Hurse
Foundation Chairperson: Mr Greg Finlay
May 2024 #116
Community Newsletter of SCOTS PGC College 60 Oxenham Street Warwick QLD 4370
T. 07 4666 9811 E. postbox@scotspgc.com.au www.scotspgc.com.au
News items welcome. All contributed material subject to editing.
Design: Therese Donovan Graphic Design
Print: Greenridge Press
Images: Helen Bohm, Toni Crawford, Jesse Smith Photography, Roslyn Hart, Samantha Bennett Photography, Andrew Stewart, Renee Mulcahy Photography, Annabelle Spann and other contributors
Front Cover: Pipe Major Samuel Bourke with the band at the front of School House – Photo taken by Jesse Smith Photography
From the Principal
Mr Kyle Thompson
Teaching Humanity
Our values define us and how we live them defines our character. We speak a lot about character at SCOTS PGC College and we reference our values regularly; at formal occasions, in presentations and more powerfully, in our everyday interactions. Why send a young man or woman to SCOTS PGC? What is the difference in an educational landscape where content is mandated, so effectively every school teaches the same content and the same subjects? What makes a good school great? What is a school’s point of difference?
Our recent ANZAC commemoration gave occasion to pause and consider these things. Our values as a school are based on Uniting Church and Christian values. We speak to them using the following vernacular: Spirit, Tenacity, Authenticity, Respect and Excellence. I had the pleasure of discussing these values and how they would have related to the values of our forebearers, in particular our service men and women, with four senior students. Their articulation of the importance of mateship, turning up for one another, supporting your Clan, your school, and your mates was both mature, deep in meaning and genuine in terms of them wanting to embrace and bring them to life. To hear young people today speak of wanting to honour the legacy of past generations making our lives today better through committing to do the same for future generations was both inspiring and humbling. They spoke of the tenacity shown by previous generations and wanting to exhibit and role model the same characteristics now and for their future families. They spoke of turning up and helping in adversity and of working collectively for improvement and a better world.
So, at SCOTS PGC we do provide learning with a difference. As an independent school, we are able to stand for something and our values allow us to do this with purpose and meaning. We don’t just teach subjects, we teach young people how to be good humans and in partnership with families who are committed to those same values, this is a powerful thing.
Whilst it can be difficult for the young to truly understand the sacrifices and hardships faced in the past, they are readily able to communicate what it means to them in their ‘present’. The gratitude, the willingness to act, and the genuine connection to their families, their community and their school is actually quite palpable. Our students’ values allow them to connect across generations – they hold deep and respectful conversations with their elders (indeed some very much their elder), their peers, and the younger generations. When we observe these interactions, we are filled with optimism and an understanding that the current generation do stand for something. They are good people in the making, and they understand their responsibility to their past and their influence on the future. Sometimes we don’t recognise this enough.
In my conversation with our seniors, I charged them to be aware of the phases of custodianship in their lives. Just as the ANZACs and all service men and women are custodians of our way of life, so too can they influence, protect and serve, even if in different contexts. I also charge our young people to act on these responsibilities. Currently our seniors are custodians of the school and will leave, I hope with firmly established values and an understanding of what they mean to them. They will then become custodians of their families – their history, traditions, their welfare. They become protectors of those close to them. In doing these things they will, as a matter of course become the custodians of their community and set the standards for society.
I am pleased and proud to know, through my interactions with these wonderful young people, that the world is good hands and the hands of a SCOTS PGC student have a strength of character, an understanding of gratitude and a willingness to fight for and defend what is right. This is what makes a good school, great. This is SCOTS PGC 105 years ago, today and, into the future.
A Royal Invitation
SCOTS PGC College has been honoured to receive an invitation from St James’s House, London, to be featured in the commemorative publication for ‘The Commonwealth at 75’. This prestigious publication will be an official commemorative hardback album marking the 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth. The invitation was unexpected and indicated that this small College in Warwick is making a mark and being recognised internationally.
As you would expect, we asked ‘Why SCOTS PGC?’ We were humbled by the response.
The College has received attention for its high standard of teaching, dedication to the future, human dimension, and incredible living environment and of course the focus and impact SCOTS PGC College has when it comes to enriching regional, rural and local communities.
We were also drawn to your inspiring history and incredible community focus. Your commitment to facilitating the development of sound educational judgment impacts and extends to the individual students it serves and larger society. This aligns with the Commonwealth’s long-term plan to serve communities and improve global education.
We feel you have a wealth of stories to share based on your rich foundation, heritage and continued inspired work within Agriculture, aligning with King Charles’s passion for farming, sustainability and conservation within his vision for the new Commonwealth.
Kian Husain Bor Partnerships Manager, St James’s House
The College has been selected as one of only a limited number of educational institutions in the Commonwealth to be featured in the publication. SCOTS PGC has a proud historical connection with the royal family; our College Student Leaders and College Pipe and Drum Band wear the Cameron of Erracht kilt, the same tartan as worn by the late Queen’s Own Cameron Highland Regiment.
This is a unique opportunity for the College to be showcased internationally. We believe this opportunity is in recognition of the College’s work historically and, just as significantly, is in recognition of the Colleges’ recent growth and development and its unique current standing as a leader in Education, not only in our region and in Australia, but across the Commonwealth.
We have been invited to personally attend the official celebrations at Westminster Abbey later this year in October. We’d love to catch up with past students in London during the week of 7 October. We’ll share more details closer to the time, so for now, please reach out to any expat past students so we can make some official plans.
1. Caption
Our People
Our 2024 College Captains Isabelle (Izzy) Twidale and Darcy Noller have hit the ground running in their first term of service, leading SCOTS PGC College into its 106th year.
The pair were officially inducted on the first day of Term 1, alongside the Vice Captains Georgina Buchan and Benjamin Carey and their fellow leaders.
When it comes to leadership, Izzy and Darcy are aligned in their thoughts and actions, which is possibly what makes them such a formidable team.
“I think leadership comes down to great communication. It’s all about connecting with others, listening to their needs and being that conduit between the staff and students to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard’ says Izzy.
“I think the connection part is really important too. What I would like to show all of the students in our school is just how supportive we can be of each other. Connection needs to extend beyond saying a simple hello in the playground. It’s about showing up for each other and being the best supporters of everyone in our school community” Darcy said.
Both Izzy and Darcy joined the College as Year 7 students. Izzy and her three siblings, (Mitch, Baxter, and Madeline) are all boarders, with her eldest brother, Mitch, a 2023 graduate and past College leader. Darcy is a day student, who also has an older sibling, Ruby, who graduated last year, who captained the Mackay Clan during her time.
“One of my earliest memories at SCOTS PGC as a new Year 7 student was at a College Assembly. The hall was packed, and I remember the captains sitting up on the stage. Traditionally, we sing the College song at the end of assembly and my first memory of it, was that it was sung with lots of pride and spirit. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a leader too – someone who could continue the College spirit and make everyone else feel like they were always well supported” Darcy recalls.
It was a similar realisation for Izzy too, “There have been some excellent role models to look up to at SCOTS PGC. For me, a leadership role was another opportunity that I wanted to make the most of to ensure I had put in my very best effort while I was here.”
“Our school has a long and rich history. We have the opportunity to be part of something great and leave our mark on history too – that’s certainly what we’re aiming to do in 2024” Darcy said.
1. 2024 Prefect Group
2. Isabelle Twidale
3. Darcy Noller
The 2024 Leadership group comprises the following students
College Captains
Isabelle Twidale and Darcy Noller
Vice Captains
Georgina Buchan and Benjamin Carey
Prefects
Lachlan Tweddell, William Bryant, Sarah Mauch, Jorgi Owers, George Handley, Samuel Bourke, Adam Stephenson, Charlie-Rose Matai, Faith Quach
Clan Captains
Matilda Nowlan and Lachlan Tweddell (Mackay), Harry Mayall and Maggie Myer (Cameron), Sophie Weier and Seth Esson (Leslie), Teresa Winstanley and Halle Rooney (Macinnes)
Boarding Captains
Elly Maidment and William Bryant
Boarding Vice Captains
Jorji Owers and George Handley
Our People
Progressive Spirits
In the annuals of our school’s history, certain people stand out as pioneers whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.
Among these trailblazers are Betty Crombie and Dorothy Green, two remarkable women whose leadership, dedication, and progressive vision as Co-Principals of PGC reshaped the educational landscape of our College. Both were driven and propelled forward by a thirst for knowledge and a deep love for learning. And, it was these characteristics that saw Betty and Dorothy pursue, what were considered at that time, unusual pursuits for women.
On International Women’s Day in March earlier this year, the College honoured the wonderful contribution made by Betty and Dorothy to our College. We were also thrilled to have a very special guest, Sally Fraser, present for the assembly. Mrs Fraser is a past student, staff member and College Council member, who was not only taught by Betty and Dorothy, but later mentored by them when she became a teacher. Mrs Fraser retold stories of her time at school and recalled many fond memories from her teaching days alongside Betty and Dorothy.
Sally Fraser is a progressive spirit in her own right – outside of her achievements within our College, she has made an enormous contribution to the wider school library community. She developed a showcase school resource centre at MacGregor High School in Brisbane, and was a member of a team of Secondary Regional Library Advisors who established and supported the growth of school libraries throughout Queensland. She then led a team of library professionals from the Central Office of Education Queensland, supporting the continuing establishment of school libraries and advised teacher librarians and school library staff in these libraries.
As well, Mrs Fraser contributed to the early development of the School Library Association of Queensland (then called the School Library Association of Queensland), serving in several roles until she became Executive Officer guiding the Association for many years. She also served on the Australian School Library Association Council, and was an ASLA Trustee. Her outstanding efforts were recognized in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday announcements when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to librarianship and school information services.
In honour of Sally Fraser’s commitment to both the College and library services, the College is proud to announce the renaming of the Learning Resource Centre to the ‘Sally Fraser OAM Learning Centre’.
It seemed only fitting to honour all three of these wonderful women on International Women’s Day.
1. L-R Georgina Buchan, Izzy Twidale, Faith Quach, Sophie Weier, Mrs Sally Fraser OAM, Teresa Winstanley, Jorji Owers, Sarah Mauch and Maggie Myer
2. Sally Fraser OAM
3. Izzy Twidale and Sally Fraser OAM
Foundation
Petals, Prosecco and Petit Fours
At SCOTS PGC, 2024 has been dubbed as the ‘Year of Giving’, and during April, our College Foundation hosted its first major fundraising event for the year, an autumn high tea – ‘Petals, Prosecco and Petit Fours’.
This was indeed an afternoon of fun and frivolity which included decadent sweet treats, lavish cakes and of course, lots of laughter and great conversation among the 120 guests who filled our Chapel.
A sold-out event, the afternoon high tea provided the perfect platform for the ladies of our community to come together and support the College Foundation, which is busily raising funds toward the redevelopment of the Betty Crombie Middle School.
Guests enjoyed taking part in a ‘Cake Walk’, tombola, auction and multi draw– each of which included some amazing prizes which had been kindly donated by an array of generous supporters and event sponsors.
From all reports, our high tea was a resounding success and enjoyed by all who attended.
1. Janine Thompson, Diana Turner and Lucy College
2. Rosa Hardy, Claire Duggan and Gina Auger
3. Sarah Spiller, Hayley Somerville, Nikki Cleary, Kelly Reardon, Mel Fraser, Brooke Sapolu, Tammy Aurisch & Juliet Burston
4. Lisa Patterson, Christine Peterson, Angela Brittain and Eureka Coetzee
5. Petals, Prosecco and Petit Fours High Tea
The Betty Crombie Middle School precinct will provide a place for our learners to grow and thrive:
Empowering environments
Innovative and flexible 21st century spaces designed to inspire students and help them achieve their potential
Future learning
The inclusion of specialist spaces for programs like the arts, STEM and agriculture, reflects our focus on making pathways possible
Our design approach reflects who we are and what’s important to us - remaining a regional school with wide, open spaces.
The precinct is innovative in nature, and at the same time, reflective of and sympathetic to our natural surrounds and country campus.
Our precinct will benefit not only Years 6-8 students but other learners, too
Broad
benefit
The development will ensure our school is well positioned to respond to the changing and diversifying needs of our students now and into the future
Future driven
Recognising our Donors
All donations $1000 and over towards this project will be recognised in a donor wall which will be featured as part of the building. If you’d like to support the project, see your name on the donor wall and be part of College history, please complete the Foundation flyer in this issue or get in touch with Sarah Henry –sarah.henry@scotspgc.com.au or 07 4666 9811
Honouring our past as we build our future
A
word from Betty’s son, David Crombie AM
It’s an honour to see mum recognised alongside an endeavour that captures what were recurring themes throughout her own life – reinvention, passion and a love for learning. This was her character, her strength and her way of being.
She just exuded this interest in people and in life – science, facts, history, geology, geography, chemistry – she loved it all and she really found her niche in education. When I look back on her life, I think about all the incredibly brave transformations she made and it’s so pleasing to see the College continuing to transform, too. As a parent, and now a grandparent, I know how important these years are in a young person’s life; it’s such a critical stage in their development and in the building of mindset. I think the idea behind Middle Schooling is just fantastic and I look forward to seeing this next chapter of SCOTS PGC unfold.
Here’s a list of upcoming events we’d love to see you at...
Wednesday 24 July | First XV Jersey Presentation
Friday 23 August | Foundation Golf Day
Wednesday 4 September | Founders’ Day
Saturday 5 October | Foundation Long Lunch
Saturday 12 October | Warwick Cup - Past Student Catch up
Tuesday 26 November | Foundation Lunch (Toowoomba)
Teaching & Learning
Reinvigorating our Clan based Pastoral Care Structure
Our Scottish Clans have always been an important part of who we are and the value we place on our SCOTS PGC College community.
The pastoral care program has been restructured in 2024 with a stronger focus on students’ sense of belonging, social connection, and resilience. Our students are at the heart of all we do at SCOTS PGC and it is remarkable to witness the positivity and power of connections on campus after only one term. In Years 9 – 12 students are in Clan based, multiyear level Kinship Care Groups. In Middle School Kinship Care Groups are Year Level based and in Junior School, class teachers manage pastoral care. This year, student Clan Leaders have been elected across each campus allowing for student leaders to support the Clan Leaders and integrate between the three campuses to organise activities. We are already seeing the positive effect and enhanced school spirit amongst the students.
The restructure is not a new initiative. During my time as a student at SCOTS PGC ( 2008 – 2010), each Clan was united and students in Years 9 to 12 were combined in Tutor Groups. As a new student to the College, I had not experienced such a strong sense of connection and identity before. Being part of a Clan meant I was able to form connections with students outside my year level and this encouraged me to try some of the many co-curricular activities on offer. I firmly believe that the interaction between the juniors and the seniors resulted in a very
positive environment for students – it encouraged the older students to become supportive mentors and it gave the younger students another layer of support.
2024 marks a new chapter for the College and we see more emphasis placed on the Clan structure and building connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and developing resilience. We are also incredibly excited to bring The Resilience Project on board as a holistic wholeschool program that creates an environment to support students’ mental health and wellbeing.
The concept of Community Time across campuses is another new and exciting addition to our revised pastoral care structure this year. Community Time allows for increased opportunities for our students to connect with others in various athletic and cognitive activities.
SCOTS PGC is a very special community, full of dedicated people doing wonderful and exciting things for our students. It is a pleasure to now teach at the College and I am thrilled to witness the positive impact that the inclusion of a new pastoral care approach alongside The Resilience Project is having on our community.
Jaime George (formerly Slattery) | Head of Cameron Clan
Teaching & Learning
The Resilience Project at SCOTS PGC College
This year, SCOTS PGC College has partnered with The Resilience Project to implement and embed their wellbeing program across our College. The Resilience Project mission is to teach positive mental health strategies to inspire happiness and change lives.
The whole school wellbeing program teaches and supports positive mental health strategies in the classroom, staffroom and wider community that aim to build capacity to proactively deal with adversity and prevent mental ill-health. The program is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and consists of online presentations and weekly lessons for students, professional development for staff and a Parent and Carer Hub for engagement with families.
The program is built around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM) and Emotional Literacy that support the building of resilience.
Gratitude is about paying attention to, and being thankful for, the things we have.
Empathy is about understanding others’ feelings and perspectives and being kind to others.
Mindfulness is about bringing our attention to the present moment and being aware of our thoughts, emotions and surroundings.
Emotional Literacy is about labelling our emotions as we experience them and increasing our emotional vocabulary.
Lessons and online presentations are age-appropriate and practical, providing a common understanding of positive emotions and positive wellbeing across the College community. The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience and is an important part of our College’s effort to look after the mental health and wellbeing of our community.
For more information about The Resilience Project, please visit their website: theresilienceproject.com.au
Meet Hugh … Founding Director and Facilitator of The Resilience Project
Hugh has been working in education for over 15 years, teaching both primary and secondary in a range of educational settings. The highlight of his teaching career was the year he spent in the far north of India volunteering and living at an underprivileged school in the Himalayas. It was here that he discovered resilience in its purest form.
Inspired by this experience Hugh returned to Melbourne and commenced working on his own program for schools. ‘The Resilience Project’ was born. Having completed his post graduate studies, looking at resilience and wellbeing, Hugh has developed and facilitated programs for over 900 schools Australia wide.
ANZAC
B5360 Leading Seaman Edgar
Murray Hancock, RAN
Edgar Murray was born on 11 December 1926, at Ipswich, Queensland. He was one of three sons of Vivian and May Hancock of Ipswich.
Edgar known as ‘Murray’, received his early education at Ipswich Grammar School before he was enrolled along with his two younger brothers, Viv and John Hancock, at The Scots College, in Warwick. Murray completed his Junior Certificate at Ipswich and was enrolled as a SubSenior student in 1942.
1942 was a very significant year for The Scots College, as the College Council had been instructed by the War Ministry to vacate part of the College, so that the Army could establish a hospital in the main section of the school. This was the position many other schools and like facilities found themselves in under the War Act, and so the College Council accepted an offer from Mr Sid Rankin, a strong supporter of the school, to move the senior boys to his property at ‘Toolburra’ Station.
Toolburra is about eight miles from Warwick on the Allora Road. This was an adventurous time for the students at the College, as they worked hard to make Toolburra, not only a home, but an alternative educational facility - complete with football field and tennis courts. The ‘Toolies’ as they came to be known, enjoyed the short time of 18 months they were there, until they returned to Scots in 1943.
Murray became a Toolburra boy and along with the others, made the best of the situation. He was heavily involved in the sporting curriculum, especially in the Inter-House Rugby Competition. The 1942 Clansman references his noteworthy performance on the field. Murray was a member of the victorious School House which defeated DeConlay that year. Murray would have also been present when their old Master, Flying Officer George Avery, did a low pass in his Beaufighter to ‘buzz’ Toolburra on his way to his Squadron in Townsville.
When Murray left Scots after Toolburra, he returned to Ipswich Grammar to complete his education and later attended the University of Queensland before he answered the call to national duty. At this time, with Japan being pushed out of South-East Asia, many young men were enlisting as soon as they reached the legal age. Murray was one of these, but unlike many of his former colleagues at Scots, opted for the Navy instead of the RAAF. So, at the tender age of 18 years, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on 8 March 1945.
After completing his initial training at HMAS. ‘Cerberus’ in Victoria, he was posted to serve on HMAS ‘Kiama’, which was a Minesweeper of 650 tons, 186 ft. built by Evans Deakin Pty Ltd in Brisbane. The ship was launched on 3 July 1943, by Mrs Lawson, wife of the Minister
for Transport. With a speed of 15 knots and a ship’s complement of 85 seamen, Murray was excited to be serving on a modern Navy ship.
On 7 May 1945, the ‘Kiama’ arrived in Port Moresby, New Guinea, with Ordinary Seaman Murray Hancock aboard, to begin a period of service in hostile New Guinea waters. Late in May, he saw action by the ‘Kiama’ carrying out a series of coastal bombardments on Japanese-held areas in Banka and Bougainville, and repeated bombardments in the same area in June. In July, Murray was aboard when the ‘Kiama’ embarked His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, for passage to Mutupina in the Solomons.
On 24 August, Murray again was on duty with the ship carrying out general duties, troop transport and store disposal along the New Guinea coast.
On 15 November 1945, Murray Hancock was heading back home after the war in the Pacific had ended. He was one of two Navy personnel flying to Rabual, when the aircraft carrying them ran into a severe storm which caused the plane to crash into a mountain. All on board were killed.
Edgar Murray Hancock, only 18 years of age, was given a full Military funeral, and lies in the beautiful War Cemetery at Bita Paka in Rabual. His Grave Reference is C.A.3.
‘LEST WE FORGET’ Extract from ‘Profiles of Courage’ by John Telfor
Leading Seaman Edgar Murray Hancock, RAN
L-R George Martin, Hunter McMurtrie, Bess Martin, Murray Hancock, Des & Sue Williams and Benjamin Carey
Past students Ian Burrows and David Crombie AM at Dawn Service
Honouring our Past
THE CARDINAL AND GOLD RETURNS TO BRIGGS
Our vintage rugby enthusiasts have a strong connection to the traditional cardinal and gold jersey that was proudly worn throughout the decades by our First XV rugby players. It was a jersey that invoked the pride of a lion and a special honour to those who had the privilege of wearing it.
The past students of Scots have stories of great on field battles wearing the cardinal and gold which is a chapter in our history that all our SCOTS PGC students are proud to be connected to.
As a nod to our history and another way to celebrate 105 years of Scots, we are proud to share that the coveted cardinal and gold is making a return to the rugby field.
We are calling all past players and rugby captains to support us in marking the occasion as we present our First XV with their heritage jerseys at our first home game on Briggs Oval towards the end of July.
Please get in touch with Sarah Henry (sarah.henry@ scotspgc.com.au or 07 4666 9811) if you would like to be involved.
3.
4.
5.
1. 1984 Brad Potter
2. 1996 Rugby boys Hugh Reardon, Matthew Turl, Ben Quinlan, Ranu Obaha and Ryan McLeod
Tom Edmistone, Ian Ellwood & Kingsley Bishop
Philip Tory & George Rankin
1949 First XV 6. 1949 Warwick champions
Honouring our Past
105 Years of Scots
Ever since 1919, young men have had the opportunity to be educated at The Scots College, when it initially formed as a boys’ school, and then later, after amalgamation as SCOTS PGC College when it officially merged with the Presbyterian Girls’ College – its sister school.
By early 1919, considerable support had grown for the Presbyterian Girls’ College (PGC) and the education it provided for girls. This support motivated the founding fathers of PGC, Mr BT DeConlay and Mr RJ Shilliday, to meet with Mr WR Black who had a proposal involving the education of boys.
Mr WR Black was so inspired by the success of PGC, that he wished that a similar school be established for boys, so he made an offer to initiate the foundation of The Scots College. Mr Black offered to match £2000 for every £4000 raised by supporters.
It was recommended that the school be established at ‘Arranmore’, which was situated on the banks of the Condamine River. The Arranmore property comprised a substantial two-storey sandstone house and several detached buildings over the 16.5 acres of land. It was built in the early 1860s using local sandstone for John Oxenham – Arranmore’s original owner.
The decorative green gateposts with the lion rampant, were and still are, a feature of the of the frontage of the estate on Oxenham Street. The lion rampant is one of the elements of the Oxenham family crest. The Scots College lion was chosen because of the lion’s association with Scottish heraldry – it is fitting that the two lions are similar in appearance.
In June 1919, the first principal of The Scots College was appointed, Mr William Walter Victor Briggs, and by July, the school accepted its first students. The College opened on 28 July 1919 in the presence of the organising committee, Clergyman, parents and the foundation students and staff. The official opening happened in the following year on 4 September 1920.
For over 100 years The Scots College has been home to students near and far. The school originally opened with 16 boarders and 8 day students, and today there are a total of 60 boys boarding on site at Oxenham Street – just as they did 105 years ago albeit in much more comfortable surroundings!
On Friday 15 March, SCOTS PGC hosted birthday celebrations to commemorate 105 years of Scots. The afternoon kicked off with a ‘Past versus Present’ cricket match, followed by a BBQ dinner in front of DeConlay and School House. It was fabulous to see lots of past students come together to celebrate this special milestone.
Thank you to all those who made the trip back – we loved having you!
All guests in attendance received a special celebratory travel mug. These are available for purchase – please phone the College Reception to order yours.
1. 105 Years celebrations on the College cenotaph
2. Past vs Present Cricketers
3. Old boys’ John Muir and Tom Edmistone
4. College Captain Darcy Noller with Robbie Taylor
5. Old boys’ Robert and Greg Hall with David Bonner
Foundation
Foundation Lunch
The Toowoomba based ‘Foundation Lunch’ has become an annual event on the College calendar and another platform for students to reconnect. Held at the Downs Club during November, it was great to see a strong contingent of old boys and girls fondly remembering their days together at school.
Our next Toowoomba Foundation Lunch will once again take place later this year at the Downs Club. Please mark Tuesday 26 November on your calendars – we’d love to meet you again for lunch!
1. PGC girls from throughout the decades
2. Peter Shakespeare, Chris Goodwin, George Goodwin and Bob Hall (Class of 1969)
3. Robbie Taylor, Helen Edwards nee Hoadley, Dianne Speed nee Stevenson (Class of 1964) and Sharon Fletcher nee McRaven (Class of 1962) Ian Fletcher (Class of 1961)
4. Cheryl Willett nee Smith (Class of 1964) and Merilyn Playsted nee Sweet (Class of 1962)
5. Greg Hall, Bill Stuart, (Class of 1969) and Terri Carter
6. Max Batterham (Class of 1958), Adrien Markey and Paul Markey (Class of 1960) and Peter Lee and Jan Lee nee Dalgliesh (Class of 1959)
Past Students Student Success Stories - Where
are they now?
Alexander Horneman-Wren
Our SCOTS PGC Collegians often go on to do some wonderful things after leaving our green gates, and Alexander (Sandy) Horneman-Wren is no exception to the rule.
Attending the College as a boarder from 1976 to 1978, Sandy later went on to complete a Bachelor of Business in his hometown of Rockhampton, before studying law at QUT in Brisbane. He was sworn in as a Judge of the District Court of Queensland on 1 November 2012. Prior to his appointment he practised at the Brisbane bar from 1993, being appointed Senior Counsel in 2009.
His Honour is also a Judge of the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland and the Children’s Court of Queensland and was Deputy President of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for 3 years from 2012 to 2015. He is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Law and Justice at the University of Southern Queensland
We recently welcomed Judge Horneman-Wren back to his old College Assembly Hall to address the Senior School and impart some words of inspiration to students who are contemplating what life might look like after graduation.
Sandy fondly remembered his time at the College and spoke highly of the intrinsic values he adopted during his time here and how his core learnings gave him the foundation to take a path in the study of law.
Our students thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Sandy’s time as a SCOTS PGC student - his strong connection to the school was a point that all students resonated with. It was heartwarming to see the nods from students as he spoke about the school’s character and spirit which then led to important advice to seize the opportunities as they present themselves.
Michael Keevers Retires
“My teaching style has always been somewhat unconventional - and that’s been deliberate. When I first started teaching, I made a promise to myself to always have fun in the classroom. I knew I’d be doing this job for a while, so I wanted to make sure it was something that we all enjoyed together.”
After a 35-year long stint, Michael Keevers decided the end of 2023 would be the time to embark on a journey towards retirement. Following his arrival in 1988, Michael Keevers made an enormous contribution to SCOTS PGC College and the many students who have been part of his classroom over the years.
Thank you for your incredible service Mr Keevers.
Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings at SCOTS PGC College to the pinnacle of the legal profession stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and integrity. His commitment to his profession is an inspiration to young minds and reaffirms that our students can do anything they set their minds to.
Past Students
Past Student Reunion
Our Past Student Luncheon held in March provided a wonderful opportunity for past students to reunite. The day included tours of both the PGC and SCOTS’ campuses, morning tea in School House, the traditional chapel service culminating with a luncheon in the Des Davey Dining Hall.
Thank you to all those who made the trek back to Warwick. We look forward to seeing more past students at later events throughout the year.
1. (L-R) Max Batterham (Class of 1958), Buddy Statham (Class of 1958), Lesley Keevil (Class of 1973)l and Marianna Lane (Class of 1972)
2. (L-R) Barry Wong, Rani Cohen (nee Schwager), Scott Marshall, Edwina Coggan (nee Kruger), Georgina Hart, Charlie Rickertt, Kate King and Zane Edhouse – Class of 1994.
3. (L-R) Bernard Furtado, Andy Muir, Nev Reis - Class of 1984
4. (L-R) Stuart Sparksman, Robbie Taylor, Bob Lester, Russell Hall, Brian McIntyre, Greg Rainbow, Gordon Steer, Henry Leonard, Malcolm Thomson, Bob Black, Jim Cameron and Richard Thallon. Seated: Donald Loch and Don Vollmerhause (Teacher) - Class of 1964
5. (L-R) Michael Osiecki, Greg Polkinghorne, Barry McMahon –Class of 2004
SCOTS PGC Births
Congratulations to the following SCOTS PGC couples who’ve welcomed addtions.
Katie and Caillum Coleman (both from the Class of 2012) welcomed a baby daughter, ‘Chelsea’ on 24 November 2023.
SCOTS PGC Marriages
Shaun McKey (Class of 2012) and his wife Emma, welcomed a little boy ‘Mac’ during December 2023.
TURNBULL WEDDING - SCOTS PGC NUMBER 104
Megan Allen and Stephen ‘Dickie’ Turnbull, both from the Class of 2012 married during March 2024. Bridesmaids, Chloe McBride and Georgia Taylor are also past SCOTS PGC students from the Class of 2012.
Dean Cullen (Class of 2012) and wife Tess welcomed their second child, a son, Magnus during January 2024 – a little brother for Hilde.
Shayne Hayes (Class of 2014) married Jimmy O’Mara during March 2024.
Past Students
With Sympathies
Anthony ‘Tony’ Tait
1935 - 2024
Tony attended SCOTS College from 1948-1952, and was a founding member of the College Pipe Band, playing the bagpipes.
Tony was a much-loved member of our College community and a very proud past student. Tony regularly attended the annual College Reunions and for many years played the organ at the Past Student Chapel Service.
Tony had a love for theatrics and dedicated his life to serving Inglewood community through various service organisation. Tony’s four children attended the College, Stuart, Elizabeth, Helen and Leah.
The PSA extends sincere condolences to families and friends of the following past students
Donald Lack (1951-1953)
Elspeth Costello (1975-1979)
Jennifer McClymont (1967-1971)
John Shilliday (1946-1950)
Max Taylor (1948-1949)
William Higham (1951-1953)
Anthony Pang (1965-1968)
Ian Bucknell (1942-1948)
Elenor East nee Mitchell (1945-1949)
Avon Hayes nee Thomson (1932)
Elizabeth Sprott nee Speed (1947-1949)
Valarie Warfield nee Anderson (1947-1948)
Tony Tait (1948-1952)
Margaret Morgan nee Lithgow (1950)
Peter Sprott (1978-1982)
Jill Manahan nee Wippell (1950)
Peter Nicholson (1940-1943)
Heather Condon nee Hinz (1952)
Tim Tubb (1954-1957)
Dorothy Jenkins nee McKenzie (1956-1957)
Jeanette Klaudt nee McKenzie (1946-1950)
Hugh Scott (1943-1946)
Tim Wilson (1961-1963)
Brian Smith (1945-1946)
Elspeth Costello
1962 - 2023
Elspeth Costello grew up on a sheep property at Gradenfloe, Thanes Creek and attended the College from 1975 to 1979. In her final year she was a Prefect, Cameron House Captain and winner of the English, Essay and Modern History prizes. Elspeth was a talented journalist and writer who started her career at the Warwick Daily News before travelling overseas to work at the Evening Standard in London.
Continuing her work back at home, she worked at the Sunshine Coast Daily and then became Chief Sub Editor at the Brisbane News Magazine. In the latter part of her career she worked for the Queensland Government, in the media team of various departments and was an accomplished Speech Writer. She died suddenly last September aged 61.
Charlotte Brock (nee Speed)
Charlotte was born in 1942 during World War II and spent the first 12 years of her life growing up with her parents, Barbara and William Speed; sister, Rachael; and two brothers, Richard and Roger, at “The Prairie” on the black soil plains of the Darling Downs in Queensland.
When it came time for High School, Charlotte attended Presbyterian Girl’s College (PGC) in Warwick as a boarder. These five years were sometimes difficult, as she especially missed being on the farm. However, she had her older sister, Rachel, at PGC. Charlotte made several life-long friends at school – Penny Sinclair (Kerridge), Mary Wright (Webb), Jenny Roberts (Core) and Barbara Wippell (Barnes). She enjoyed basketball, knuckled down with her studies and became PGC College Captain in 1960.
She graduated with a degree in Entomology and Botany from the Queensland University and lamented the fact that girls did not do Agricultural Science in those times. Charlotte married Neville Brock and moved to Newcastle. She made the most of her university training by working as a science teacher at Newcastle Grammar School and then worked at the Royal Newcastle Hospital cross-matching blood.
After Charlotte’s children were born, Philippa (Pip) in 1970 and Simon in 1976, she completed a Diploma of Education and worked as a relief teacher at various primary schools.
Neville passed away in 2009 and three years later Charlotte moved to Bolwarra where she continued to play an active role in several local communities.
Charlotte stayed in touch with family and friends in Queensland, attending several reunions at PGC. She saw PGC as providing her with the founding skills and desire to make the most of her life. In her later years, Charlotte enjoyed reminiscing about events that had shaped her life, including a trip, with others from her year, to ‘Blue Range Station’ in Northern Queensland, which was owned by the family of one of her school friends.
After a long battle with cancer, Charlotte passed away and was farewelled at a private Thanksgiving Service at St James Anglican Church in Morpeth on 30 June 2022. Charlotte dearly loved her family and was loved just as much in return.
Lyn (Lynette) Helen Doyle (nee Johns)
1943 - 2021
Lyn was a PGC girl from 1957 to 1959. Her sister Glenys also attended PGC from 1958 - 1962.
Lyn married Danny Doyle from Dayboro and together they had three children, Craig, Mark and Kirsten and 4 grand children. Lyn and Danny initially purchased a family property ‘Aspel’ and began dairying. They later ventured into beef cattle. Lyn and Glenys also had a small boutique in Aspley for several years.
Lyn made wonderful life long friends whilst at PGC, including Jill McWhirter, Roslyn Dobbs and Marie Blackwell, who were on the swim team with her. She loved to travel and attended as many past student reunions as possible.
Lyn was a very kind, gentle and considerate person and she is now resting in peace but will never be forgotten.
